Titan Submersible Malfunctioned Just Before Fatal Dive to Titanic Wreck, Testimony Reveals

The scientific director of the company that owned the Titan submersible, which imploded last year en route to the Titanic wreckage, testified on Thursday. The sub had experienced malfunctions just before the fatal dive. Renata Rojas, a mission specialist for OceanGate, shared her perspective with the US Coast Guard, describing the firm as staffed by competent individuals who aimed to "make dreams come true."

Rojas's testimony contrasted with earlier witnesses who criticised OceanGate's operations. She expressed confidence in the company's transparency leading up to the Titanic dive. Her emotional testimony led to a brief break during the Coast Guard panel session. Rojas is a member of the Explorers Club, which lost members Hamish Harding and Paul-Henri Nargeolet in the Titan implosion.

OceanGate's Operations and Testimonies

Stockton Rush, OceanGate co-founder, was among five people who perished when the submersible imploded in June 2023. Rojas stated, "I knew what I was doing was very risky. I never at any point felt unsafe by the operation." Her testimony differed from others who described OceanGate as prioritising profit over science or safety.

Earlier this month, a public hearing commenced as part of an investigation into the implosion's cause. The hearing began on September 16 and has highlighted issues faced by OceanGate before the tragic 2023 dive. Underwater footage of the submersible wreck has been released, showing debris on the ocean floor.

Conflicting Views on Company Priorities

Former OceanGate operations director David Lochridge testified about frequent clashes with Rush. He claimed that "the whole idea behind the company was to make money," with minimal focus on science. His testimony painted a picture of a company eager to launch its unconventional craft into water.

The deadly accident sparked global debate about private undersea exploration's future. Coast Guard officials noted that Titan had not undergone independent review, a standard practice in undersea exploration. This and its unusual design attracted scrutiny from experts in the field.

Investigation and Future Testimonies

The hearing is expected to continue through Friday with more witnesses scheduled next week. Former OceanGate scientific director Steven Ross is also anticipated to testify on Thursday. The company, based in Washington state, suspended operations after the implosion and currently has no full-time employees.

During Titan's final dive on June 18, 2023, contact was lost after text exchanges about its depth and weight. The support ship Polar Prince sent repeated messages asking if Titan could still see it on its display. One of Titan's last messages stated, "all good here," according to a visual recreation presented earlier in the hearing.

Search Efforts and Aftermath

When Titan was reported missing, rescuers deployed ships, planes, and equipment to an area about 435 miles south of St. John's, Newfoundland. Four days later, wreckage was found 330 yards off Titanic's bow. No one survived; Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman were among those killed.

OceanGate has cooperated fully with Coast Guard and NTSB investigations since they began. The Titan had been conducting voyages to Titanic's wreckage site since 2021.